You may recall us talking about Embassy SF last fall after the New York Times did a piece about this new style of commune living that's been springing up around techie San Francisco. Well, now the founder of Embassy SF, Jessy Kate Schingler, has bought the Red Victorian Bed & Breakfast in the Upper Haight, famed for having no TVs and rooms with names like "The Summer of Love Room" and "The Peace Room." As the Bold Italic reports, Schingler plans to continue operating it as a peace-and-love-centric hotel, but with some more modern touches, and probably a few more screens. Also, there will probably be some more hostel-level accommodations available, and some higher-end options as well.
The Red Vic, not to be confused with the former movie theater of the same name that used to live just down the block, was founded in 1977 by Sami Sunchild, who was already a little old to be a part of the hippie movement of the 1960s in the Haight but who nonetheless was deeply inspired by it, built her bed and breakfast to "offer a brave new alternative to corporate tourism." Sunchild passed away last year, and now Schingler says she wants to take up the torch of the Red Vic and "take [Sami's] vision and do it proud."
The Embassy Network already operates multiple properties around San Francisco, offering young newcomers to the city a housing option that's different, and less expensive than a traditional apartment shares. They advertise "short-term accommodations for modern nomads" that include things like "salons, community dinners, skillshares, workshops and various one-off events." It's a tradition of communal living that hearkens back to the 1960s and 70s in San Francisco, except with (presumably) fewer hallucinogens, and more iPads.
It's unclear when the changes/renovations at the Red Victorian will be complete.
Previously: There's A New Style Of Commune Living In S.F., For Those Who Never Want To Be Alone
